Shaheen Peerbhai @purplefoodie and Jennie Levitt @jennielevitt, who are both chefs and more, let their generous hospitality spirit shine through in Paris Picnic Club. Named for a Friday picnic tradition for friends that quickly grew, the cookbook fuses the food of modern Paris with global influences. Jennie’s beautiful watercolour illustrations are reminiscent of Patience Gray’s Honey From A Weed rather than the Instagram-perfect school of food photography.

Recipes are informed by classical technique and tradition but are not bound by them. With easily sourced, or substituted, ingredients, dishes mix the high-brow, Foie Gras Royale for example, with the simple, such as Escoffier Potatoes. Dishes are categorised into small plates, sharing platters, tartines (think open sandwiches), dessert, drinks and basics. The absorption method for cooking quinoa is only one of many tips to appreciate.

Top of the to-cook list has to be Cold-Oven Chicken, while Chestnut Tagliatelle with Chestnut and Rosemary Cèpes and Walnut Sauce may come later. Shaheen and Jennie’s obvious passion for food will have the reader planning their own fantasy menus and locations.Vive le pique-nique.

Paris Picnic Club released through Sterling Epicure April 2018 $27.95 RRP